Chapter 0065
Serena’s POV
The last thing I expect to see when the door opens is Bill.
He steps inside, carrying a small bag in one hand and his coat in the other. He’s dressed down, wearing a fitted black sweater, dark jeans, and boots.
“What are you doing here?”
“Morning,” he says, ignoring the question. He closes the door behind him.
Without a word, he brings out a neatly wrapped container, water bottle, and folded napkins.
“Bill
Η
“Hospital food’s terrible,” he says, cutting me off before I can protest. “I brought something a little better.”
The smell of warm bread hits me as he unwraps it. I push myself up to grab it, but pain flares in my wrist. Shit.
I try to brush it, but Bill notices it.
He breaks off a piece and holds it out. “Here.”
“I can feed myself, you know.”
His eyes flick to my hand, then back to me “Can you?”
I hate that he’s right. I reach for it anyway, but pain shoots up my arm. I wince. Before I can try again, he sighs and moves closer.
“Just let me do it.”
I should ay no, I should push him away. But I don’t.
He feeds me without a word. When I reach for the water, he twists the cap off first, his fingers brushing mine as he hands it over.
When crumbs stick to my fingers, he wipes them away, his touch warm and steady. My breath catches for half a second. This should be nothing. But my heart betrays me, beating just a little too fast.
I clear my throat, forcing myself to focus. Get it together.
1 finish eating, and Bill doesn’t move. He just sits there, hands resting on his lap. The silence stretches between us.
I decide to break the quiet. “You don’t have to stay, Bill. I can take care of myself.
Bill still doesn’t move. I can’t really tell what he’s thinking right now. “I know you can‘
I shift slightly, adjusting the blanket over my lap. “What about work? You’re not exactly the type to take the day
off.”
“I called in sick.”
1 frown. “Since when do you do that?”
“Since today. I told Sarah to take care of things,” he explains
I don’t know what to say about that. Bill never leaves work unless he has no other choice.
Chapter 0068
Seeing him here does something strange to me.
I should be indifferent. I should tell myself this is nothing. But it’s not.
No matter how much I try to ignore it, I notice that he’s been here all morning, making sure I’m comfortable, eating, and handling things so I don’t have to..
Part of me wonders if he really is trying. His promise to change and become a better man isn’t empty words
But I can’t let myself believe it. Not yet.
I exhale slowly. “You should go, Bill.”
His expression doesn’t change right away. He just looks at me, silent.
For a second, I think he’s going to argue. But he doesn’t.
He only nods, but he looks hurt.
“Okay. Call me if you need anything,” he says, voice quieter than before.
Then he turns and leaves.
I listen to the door close behind him. I tell myself I did the right thing.
So why do I feel so guilty about pushing him away?
After a week in the hospital, I’m finally home. At first, I enjoy the break. I sleep, I scroll through TikTok. I distract myself with meaningless videos.
But soon, the boredom creeps in. I miss the shop.
Stevie things under control, but I know she’s putting her career on hold for me. That doesn’t sit right. I message her, offering to come back. She tells me to rest, but eventually, she gives in.
The morning I return, I get to the shop early, eager to get back to work. I expect to be the first one in, but Stevie is already there, checking inventory.
She looks up and grins. “Welcome back, bestie.”
I smile back. “It’s good to be back.”
We fall into our usual rhythm, setting up before opening, polish the display cases until the jewelry catches the morning light just right. Stevie double–checks inventory, rearranges the window display, and makes sure everything is perfect.
“I won’t lie,” Stevie says after a while. “I wanted you to rest, but I’m really glad you’re here. I didn’t realize how much work you actually do every day.”
I chuckle. “I love it. It never feels like work to me.”
Her smile fades. “You should consider getting an assistant. You can’t afford to overwork yourself, especially now.”
I pause, letting that sink in. She’s right. I may feel fine now, but I won’t be able to do this alone forever.
“Okay,” I say. “I’ll find someone to help out.”
The door chimes just before opening. A woman steps inside dressed in an elegant, tailored coat. Her presence is commanding but warm.
Chapter 0065
#25 BONUS
“Marjorie, it’s great to see you,” I say, pleasantly surprised.
“Likewise, dear,” she replies with a knowing smile. “How be
you holding up? I’ve heard the news”
I stiffen slightly, knowing she must have seen the video of Doris’s arrest. “I’m fine,” I say, keeping my tone even “Thanks for asking. And you?
She waves off the concern with a graceful hand. “I’m well. But let’s get to the reason I’m here. I’ve been thinking of a way for us to collaborate. Would you like to hear more?
I blink, caught off guard. Marjorie is a renowned designer, someone I admire. The fact that she’s considering working with me is almost surreal.
“Really?” I manage. “I mean, yes. Of course. I’d love to hear more.“
surprised.
“Likewise, dear,” she replies with a knowing smile. “How be
you holding up? I’ve heard the news”
I stiffen slightly, knowing she must have seen the video of Doris’s arrest. “I’m fine,” I say, keeping my tone even “Thanks for asking. And you?
She waves off the concern with a graceful hand. “I’m well. But let’s get to the reason I’m here. I’ve been thinking of a way for us to collaborate. Would you like to hear more?
I blink, caught off guard. Marjorie is a renowned designer, someone I admire. The fact that she’s considering working with me is almost surreal.
“Really?” I manage. “I mean, yes. Of course. I’d love to hear more.”
And just like that, the day takes an unexpected turn.
Chapter Co
